The word primates is derived from the Latin word which means first rank and therefore, primates are those species of mammals that have evolved over a period of time. Currently there are around 400 different species of primates all over the world and human beings are the only exception because human beings are found on all continents of the globe. Some of the species like lemurs, tamarins, chimpanzees, gorillas, titis, sakis, macaques, orangutans, mandrills, capuchins and mangabeys are considered as primates. Many animal experts and environmentalist believe that nearly 10% of the primates’ population over the globe is facing a lot of threats and are on the verge of extinction.
If you look back into time, primates have a long history, and they have been on the planet for more than 60 million years. Primates are normally categorized by the five fingers they have on their hands and feet. They also have a large brain size, and they are social animals. Primates are divided into three different groups, and they are prosimians, New World monkeys and Old World monkeys. Prosimians are normally found in the Southeast Asia and in different parts of Madagascar. However, New World monkeys and Old World monkeys are found all over the globe.
Primates also have arboreal habitats and therefore, they are always close to trees and bushes. Primates normally have a huge list of distinguishing features that would set them apart from the rest of the mammals like they have a long gestation and developmental period. They have three different kinds of teeth. They also have a strong sense of smell, and their eyes are stereoscopic that allows them to target their prey or food at a distance. Their large skull and brain size allows them to think faster in times when they need to make quick decisions. Primates also have color vision which is not present in any other kinds of mammals. The arrangement of teeth is also different and therefore, Old World monkeys have only 8 teeth while New World monkeys have around 12 teeth that would help them chew and process their food. The nose structure of Old World monkeys and New World monkeys is also different to provide better sensing abilities.
Unlike other mammals, primates have more understanding and knowledge about how to select their sexual partners and therefore, they are very selective about their partners. They have a different mating system that depends totally on the size, diet and habit of the primates. Primates are arboreal and therefore, they move from one spot to another through leaping and climbing different trees. Hence, they are expert tree climbers and clingers. However, some primates like chimpanzees and gorillas knuckle walk as they have to carry their large and heavy bodies.
Primates have a slow developmental rate compare to other mammals, but they are very good at communication and therefore, they can make good hunting strategies in comparison to other mammals. They have the intelligence to convert crude items into hunting tools, and they can manipulate and cheat their prey as per the situation demands. As per the research done by various experts it has been found that primates are also good at problem solving and therefore, they always come out with new concepts to resolve their problems. They are very selective about the food they eat and therefore, they move from one tree to another in search of food that would satisfy them. Over the years certain primates have evolved themselves to enjoy their favorite food like fruits, leaves, gum and different smaller insects.
